Health: The Obesity Paradox

Among people with a coronary artery disease, those with a high BMI had the lowest risk compared to those with a normal weight. This is believed to be further evidence of an obesity paradox—being overweight can actually protect a person from a heart-related death. However, the study population already had heart disease and obesity puts people at a greater risk for heart-related ailments. It is also possible that obese people had better outcomes due to heart medications. While healthy obesity may exist, it is better to focus on lifestyle behaviors as opposed to size.